Stockholm - The Swedish government Wednesday welcomed the unity government formed in Zimbabwe, and hoped it "would provide a step towards resolving the crisis" in the southern African nation.

In a statement issued after Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was sworn in as prime minister, International Development Cooperation Minister Gunilla Carlsson said it was "key that the goverment can agree on a comprehensive reform agenda."

The unity government was formed between the MDC and President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF that agreed to share power after protracted mediation efforts by among others the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Carlsson called for the "immediate release of all political prisoners" and that the rule of law be reinstated as well as "end to the political violence" and that the freedom of the press be restored.

Other areas needing immediate attention included drafting a new constitution and preparing for new elections, the Swedish cabinet member said. (dpa)